GE to build world’s largest commercial biomass-fired power plant

By GE | February 25, 2016

GE recently announced that it has been selected by Mechelen-based Belgian Eco Energy to build the largest greenfield, 100 percent biomass-fired power plant in the world. The plant, which will be powered by wood chips and agro residues, will generate approximately 215 megawatts (MW) of clean energy for the industry and nearby households reaching over 60 percent efficiency when operating in cogeneration mode. This deal demonstrates the value of GE’s newly expanded portfolio of solutions for customers based on the combined strength of GE’s Steam Power Systems and Alstom’s energy technologies.

GE Steam Power Systems will provide the overall design, engineering and construction of the plant and the integration of the in-house critical parts of the power block including the circulating fluidized bed boiler, steam turbine, generator and air quality control systems.

“We are pleased to work with GE on this project and with their approach to focus on optimizing the technical solution for this plant,” said Michael Corten, CEO, Belgian Eco Energy. “GE’s technology will help us reach the highest net efficiency, reduce operational costs.”

BEE’s new plant also will be fitted with a district heating system of approximately 110 MW thermal energy to supply heating to industries and households in the city of Ghent, Belgium. Commercial operation is planned for 2019.

“By leveraging technologies across different GE businesses—the GE Store—we are well positioned to provide complete, customized solutions to best meet our customers’ needs,” said Steve Bolze, president and CEO, GE Power. “The project in Ghent demonstrates GE’s capabilities to deliver a broad range of steam power technologies to help our customers deliver reliable power across a variety of fuels including biomass, coal and nuclear-based technologies.”